Basil II

Basil II "Bulgaroktonus" (in Greek Basilios Bulgaroktonos, written Βασίλειος Βουλγαροκτόνος, (en) "The Bulgar-Slayer" (958 – December 15, 1025)) Byzantine emperor (January 10, 976 – December 15, 1025) led the Byzantine Empire to its greatest heights in nearly five centuries. However, he left no worthy heir and most of his achievements were undone by a long line of weak successors.

Early reign and the Russian alliance

Although Nicephorus Phocas in particular had proven to be a brilliant military commander during his reign, both generals had proven to be lax administrators. As a result of this, Basil found himself with a serious problem as soon as his reign began. The great landowners of Asia Minor who provided many of the empire's soldiers and taxes were in open revolt against the empire. Basil, showing the penchant for ruthlessness that would become his trademark, took the field himself and suppressed the rebellion.

Related Topics:
Nicephorus Phocas - Asia Minor

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To do so Basil formed an alliance with Vladimir the Great of Kiev, who had captured the main imperial base in the Crimea, Chersonesos, in 988. Vladimir offered to evacuate Chersonesos and to supply 6,000 men of his army as reinforcements to Basil. In exchange Vladimir demanded to be married to Basil's younger sister Anna (963 - 1011). At first, Basil hesitated. The Byzantines viewed all the nations of Northern Europe, be they Franks or Russians, as barbarians. Anna herself objected to marrying a barbarian ruler, as such a marriage would have no precedents in imperial annals. But when Vladimir promised to baptize himself and to convert his nation to Christianity, Basil finally had to agree. Vladimir and Anna were married in the Crimea in 989. The Rus recruitments were instrumental in ending the rebellion, and they were later organized into the Varangian Guard.

Related Topics:
Vladimir the Great - Kiev - Crimea - Chersonesos - 988 - 963 - 1011 - Franks - Russians - Barbarian - 989 - Varangian

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